Army foils NPA attack in Zamboanga hinterland community

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): Army foils NPA attack in Zamboanga hinterland community (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

THWARTED. Government troops account for the recovered items from New People's Army (NPA) rebels who fled following a foiled attack Thursday (Nov. 18, 2021) in an upland community in the border of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte provinces. Soldiers recovered an M16A1 rifle with ammunition, assorted medical supplies, and personal belongings left behind by the rebels. (Photo courtesy of the 53IB)

Troopers under the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) have thwarted an attack by communist rebels on an upland community following a clash at the border of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte provinces, a top military official said Friday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said the clash occurred Thursday in the boundary of Sitio Ditalipon, Barangay Dilud in Dumingang, Zamboanga del Sur, and Sitio Kusingan, Barangay Tinago in Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.

Herrera said the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels fled to different directions following a 30-minute firefight against the troops.

The troops recovered from the clash site an M16A1 rifle with several rounds of ammunition, personal belongings, assorted medical supplies, and a portable burner.

Herrera said the troops from the 53IB will be relentless in pursuing the fleeing NPA rebels.

“It is our mandate to keep the people safe from any form of harm. We will continue to uphold our mandate of serving the people we have sworn to protect,” Herrera said in a statement Friday.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, has urged the people to continue helping government authorities by reporting the presence of NPA rebels in their communities.

"Their numbers are dwindling and they are on the verge of collapse and with your (public) support, we will be able to ensure to safeguard our communities against all forms of threats as our troops continue to pursue these terrorist groups,” Nicolas said.

Nicolas said the government's doors are still open for those who wish to return to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Under the E-CLIP, former rebels will be receiving PhP15,000 immediate cash assistance and PhP50,000 livelihood assistance.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160294